Police, politics, protocols and problems (Part 2)

Dear Editor,
Without any exception, the general consensus wants to agree without any hesitation that Police officers should be role models for society. But recent events leave much to be desired by the men and women in uniform, representing a disciplined force exercising control, execution and practice of law, order, rules, regulations, dignity, honesty, integrity, justice, fairness and equality. Protecting their line of duty, whether officially or as civilians, requires demonstrating sound judgment on a daily basis.
Here are a few select and interesting observations, conveying the sour notes of a proud regime. Guyana Police confirmed in a statement that a Police Commander and two other ranks had been bused in possession of smuggled alcohol. The Commander originally denied any smuggling activity and later agreed to pay the taxes on the seized articles. They all remain in office. A policeman was charged with having sex with a minor (13-year-old) and placing her on $ 150,000 bail. One cop was accused of causing the deaths of three friends in a motor vehicle accident while under the influence of alcohol. Several senior personnel are under investigation for the drag case of the missing 150 guns. Another $ 150 million fraud in the Police department is gaining momentum or obeying. All these workers would have been under the watchful eyes and the goblet of APNU / AFC party. The issuance of about 150 gun licenses under the jurisdiction of former Security Minister Ramjattan, leaves questionable speculation and deviation from the common protocol. The many undisclosed claims of “left or write,” in the Traffic Department, are shocking and shocking. Unsurprisingly, many of the new recruits are hoping and praying to be posted in the Traffic Department. It is an open secret that the Police and army officers loan their guns and uniforms to raiders for criminal activities. Many such personnel themselves are involved in crime. Many files and reports have disappeared from Police possession. Many convincing pieces of evidence have been destroyed while in the custody of the Police. Many expired items mysteriously disappear into thin air from the Police department. During the days of banning food items, the goods seized forcefully came from people in the homes of many policemen. Citizens have been known to be under police compulsion when paying with blood, sweat and tears out of fear. It is well-known that many Police look the other way for several reasons in obtaining adequate compensation. To achieve injustice in various forms is not unknown. Failure to take corrective action is widely broadcast especially during election time. Ignoring the plea for the protection of women of a particular ethnicity is a common call during vandalism fever and black demonstrations. Historically, encouraging the hooliganism and molesting of women by theft and brutal assault is recorded. Safe beaters, seizing and damaging recording equipment and cameras by newspaper reporters, reflect the dark days of the police during PNC’s dictatorship. The Head of the crime squad was involved in criminal activity. A prominent Assistant Police Commissioner was reprimanded and moved from being head of a Department for doing the right thing and upholding the law when making a “judgment call.” He was downgraded to a “Patrol Officer,” because he refused to allow a lower-ranking officer to bypass his authority and disrespect him and would not be a stooge to political autonomy. So much prison turmoil is most troublesome and the findings of illegal articles in cells are appalling. The complexity of officers is worrying and sending the Director of Prisons on holiday raises eyebrows. The callous advantages capitalized by the fraudulent elements of the Force have come to light in many forms over time, especially under the PNC government. This is just the tip of the iceberg that reflects the disadvantage of an Force that needs the respect of society. (To be continued).

Respectfully,
Jai Lall